HOUSTON – Closing arguments will be held Wednesday in the trial of a Houston police officer accused of raping a woman.
Abraham Joseph, 29, has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault.
Police said he kidnapped a waitress outside of El Diamante Nite Club, 3416 W. Fuqua, on Jan. 2, 2011, while he was on duty.
Prosecutors said Joseph handcuffed her, drove her to a secluded section of Townwood Park, 3600 Simsbrook, and raped her.
She claimed Joseph was dressed in his uniform and armed when she was kidnapped.
Prosecutors said Joseph originally arrested the woman and a man in in the parking lot of the night club. The woman claims that Joseph dropped the man off on the side of the road, took her to the park and then raped her while she was still handcuffed.
While on the stand earlier this month, the woman said Joseph ruined her life.
"He grabbed my skirt and put his hands under my dress," the woman said in Spanish.
Joseph's attorney claimed the sex was consensual.
"These issues are very sensitive," said Nicole DeBorde, Joseph's attorney. "I do think the jurors are paying close attention and we were able to have her disclose herself
The woman said she was originally afraid to come forward because she feared being deported. She is in the United States illegally.
Before the defense rested, attorneys made sure the jury heard how victims of certain crimes can get temporary legal status and eligibility to work in the United States for up to four years.
Prosecutors said that Joseph has been investigated as a potential suspect in five separate rape cases.
If convicted, Joseph could be sentenced to up to life in prison.